PITTSFIELD, Mass. — Party candidates in the Democratic primary for the 3rd Berkshire District state representative emphasized differences in experience, approach and accessibility over ideological issues at a public debate held Monday night at Berkshire Community College.

Democratic contenders Tricia Farley-Bouvier, Ryan Scago and Peter White outlined their reasons and qualifications for the office of 3rd District, which covers most of Pittsfield. This seat is being filled by special election this year to fill the vacancy left by the July resignation

PITTSFIELD, Mass. — In an early demonstration of unity, the three Democratic candidates for state representative for the 3rd Berkshire District, Peter White, Ryan Scago and Tricia Farley-Bouvier, on Tuesday joined striking Verizon workers on the picket line and issued the following statement:

We support without reservation the members of the Communications Workers of America and the International Brotherhood of Electrical Workers who are now on strike at Verizon Communications in Pittsfield and throughout the vommonwealth.

We are troubled by the attack on middle-class workers as exemplified by Verizon's demands for a pension freeze, fewer sick days, and far higher employee

PITTSFIELD, Mass. — Lt. Gov. Timothy Murray joined local Democrats on Monday to kick off the final leg of the 2010 campaign season.

Some 75 party members and officials were on hand to open the campaign office at 31 South St., just recently the headquarters for Tom Bowler's successful campaign for sheriff.

"We forged some tremendous and wonderful friendships - we hope everlasting friendships - we developed some fantastic partnerships working from this location," said Bowler. "We wish the coordinating campaign all the success on Nov. 2 that we did on Sept. 14."

The cities of Pittsfield and North Adams will hold municipal elections for mayor, city council and school committee in 2015

You may vote absentee: if you will be absent from your town or city on election day, have a physical disability that prevents you from voting at the polls or cannot vote at the polls because to religious beliefs.